Museums and Castles events

Browse the exciting range of upcoming events and activities across our Museums and Castles sites!

To see What's On over the next month, click 'In the next 7 days' and change it to 'In the next 30 days'.

You can then filter by category, venue and age ranges.

Want our latest news and events straight to your inbox? Click here to sign up to our newsletters.

You can download our Winter/Spring What’s On for Families guide here (PDF). We have copies at our museums and Pontefract Castle.

You can also download our What’s On for Families guide in accessible Word Document format.

Filter By
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Meet the Curator
Wakefield Museum
3 Apr 2025
Details:

Do you have an interesting object that you’d like to show us or a story to tell us?

Our monthly Meet the Curator sessions are your chance to chat with our team.

No appointment required - just turn up with your questions, your stories or your objects!

Start time: 2pm
End time: 4pm
Age range: Adults
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Museum Minis (Ages 2 to 5)
Wakefield Museum
3 Apr 2025
Details:

Meet Alphabet Cat and take part in activities, rhymes and more! 

Each month there's a new theme to help you explore Wakefield Museum. 

Have fun learning and playing together and tick off the following on your 50 Things to do Before You’re 5:

#6 Rhyme Time, #7 Making Music, #11 Making Connections, #39 Talking Signs, #40 Happy History 

Every Thursday morning from 10.30am to 11.30am during term time. 

Free and no booking required

These sessions are designed for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and their families.

Please note: The fire alarms in Wakefield One are tested at 11am on Thursdays. We have ear defenders you and / or your children can borrow.

Start time: 10:30am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Artist talk: Reviving an ancient craft with Naomi Aderonke
Wakefield Museum
3 Apr 2025
Details:
Cistercian ware is a type of earthenware pottery that is characterised by a dark brown metallic glaze. It was made locally in Wrenthorpe for hundreds of years.
In this fascinating talk, artist Naomi Aderonke will share what she has learnt through her recent project researching and creating Cistercian ware pottery.
Discover some of the intriguing examples from Wakefield Museum's store that inspired Naomi’s work. Hear about the different techniques and materials she tested, exploring which clays and glazes would have been used. See examples of Naomi's work and her test samples up close.
The talk will take place in the Learning Zone, which is located inside the main library space on the Upper Ground Floor of the Wakefield One building.
Suitable for ages 16+
Free, booking required. Book tickets for Artist talk: Naomi Aderonke
Start time: 2:30pm
End time: 3:30pm
Age range: Adults
Free: Yes
Booking required: Yes
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
4 Apr 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.20, Children 5+ £2.15
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
4 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
4 Apr 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
5 Apr 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.20, Children 5+ £2.15
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Family Fun at Castleford Museum
Castleford Museum
5 Apr 2025
Details:

Join the Castleford Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed crafts and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Family Fun at Wakefield Museum
Wakefield Museum
5 Apr 2025
Details:

Join the Wakefield Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed crafts and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Family Fun at Pontefract Museum
Pontefract Museum
5 Apr 2025
Details:

Join the Pontefract Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed crafts and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Pontefract Museum
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
5 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
5 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon - with bonus tours for the Easter holidays!  

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
5 Apr 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
6 Apr 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.20, Children 5+ £2.15
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
6 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
6 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon - with bonus tours for the Easter holidays!  

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
6 Apr 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Spring Things
Castleford Museum
7 Apr 2025
Details:

Spring has sprung at Castleford Museum!

Go on a trail around the displays to spot the signs of spring.

Make a flapping paper bird.

Decorate your own plant pot, and take part in our sunflower growing competition!

Free, no booking required

*SEND relaxed sessions (11 and 17 April): SEND groups are welcome at all of our sessions. We also run these SEND sessions for families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
7 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon - with bonus tours for the Easter holidays!  

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Colour Chemistry from Nature's Rainbow (SEND session)
Pontefract Castle
7 Apr 2025
Details:

Calling all future chemists!

Did you know that there are so many amazing colours that can be created from plants?

Join us for a series of workshops to investigate natural dyes, inks and stains.

In April's session, discover how natural stains and food colours from plants can be used to create patterns on eggs and paper. Please don’t wear your best clothes as we might get messy. This activity will use real eggs  - please let us know when booking if you have an allergy to eggs.  

£2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book Colour Chemistry from Nature's Rainbow

Start time: 10am
End time: 12pm
Age range: Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Colour Chemistry from Nature's Rainbow
Pontefract Castle
7 Apr 2025
Details:

Calling all future chemists!

Did you know that there are so many amazing colours that can be created from plants?

Join us for a series of workshops to investigate natural dyes, inks and stains.

In April's session, discover how natural stains and food colours from plants can be used to create patterns on eggs and paper. Please don’t wear your best clothes as we might get messy. This activity will use real eggs  - please let us know when booking if you have an allergy to eggs.  

£2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book Colour Chemistry from Nature's Rainbow

Start time: 1pm
End time: 3pm
Age range: Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Spring Things
Castleford Museum
8 Apr 2025
Details:

Spring has sprung at Castleford Museum!

Go on a trail around the displays to spot the signs of spring.

Make a flapping paper bird.

Decorate your own plant pot, and take part in our sunflower growing competition!

Free, no booking required

*SEND relaxed sessions (11 and 17 April): SEND groups are welcome at all of our sessions. We also run these SEND sessions for families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
8 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon - with bonus tours for the Easter holidays!  

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Meet the Curator
Pontefract Museum
9 Apr 2025
Details:

Do you have an interesting object that you’d like to show us or a story to tell us?

Our monthly Meet the Curator sessions are your chance to chat with our team.

No appointment required - just turn up with your questions, your stories or your objects!

Start time: 10am
End time: 12pm
Age range: Adults
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Pontefract Museum
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Spring Things
Castleford Museum
9 Apr 2025
Details:

Spring has sprung at Castleford Museum!

Go on a trail around the displays to spot the signs of spring.

Make a flapping paper bird.

Decorate your own plant pot, and take part in our sunflower growing competition!

Free, no booking required

*SEND relaxed sessions (11 and 17 April): SEND groups are welcome at all of our sessions. We also run these SEND sessions for families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Marvellous Masks
Pontefract Museum
9 Apr 2025
Details:

Discover the stories of some of pantomime’s best loved characters.

Get creative and make a marvellous mask to take home and wear!

9 April: Animals and Creatures - Are you a golden goose or a pantomime horse? Make a bright mask to bring your animal to life.

16 April: Heroes and Villains - Boo and cheer for your favourite characters – but will you be the hero or a baddie?

Free, no booking required

(Please note: the session facilitator will take a lunch break between 12 and 12.30)

Start time: 10:30am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Pontefract Museum
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
9 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon - with bonus tours for the Easter holidays!  

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Spring Things
Castleford Museum
10 Apr 2025
Details:

Spring has sprung at Castleford Museum!

Go on a trail around the displays to spot the signs of spring.

Make a flapping paper bird.

Decorate your own plant pot, and take part in our sunflower growing competition!

Free, no booking required

*SEND relaxed sessions (11 and 17 April): SEND groups are welcome at all of our sessions. We also run these SEND sessions for families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Squash and Shape (Ages 2-5)
Wakefield Museum
10 Apr 2025
Details:

Get stuck in to some squishy squashy fun! 

Play with different doughs to mash, make, squash and shape. 

Join in with a story and rhymes. 

Make a special model to take home. 

Tick off  #5 Rough and Smooth on your 50 Things To Do Before You’re 5!

The workshop will take place in the 'Learning Zone' which is located within the main library space on the Upper Ground Floor of the Wakefield One building. 

Tickets £2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book Squash and Shape

Start time: 10:30am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Squash and Shape (Ages 2-5) - Relaxed session
Wakefield Museum
10 Apr 2025
Details:

Get stuck in to some squishy squashy fun! 

Play with different doughs to mash, make, squash and shape. 

Join in with a story and rhymes. 

Make a special model to take home. 

Tick off  #5 Rough and Smooth on your 50 Things To Do Before You’re 5!

This is a relaxed toddler session. It will have reduced numbers and there will be more space.

The workshop will take place in the 'Learning Zone' which is located within the main library space on the Upper Ground Floor of the Wakefield One building. 

Tickets £2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book Squash and Shape

Start time: 1pm
End time: 2pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Paper making (Ages 12-16)
Pontefract Castle
10 Apr 2025
Details:

People have made paper for hundreds of years. Now it's your turn!  

Meet like-minded young people in this hands-on workshop. 

Discover our incredible paper collections from the past. 

Learn how to recycle old paper into new paper for your own journals or cards.
  
Accompanying adults are welcome but not essential.

The workshop will take place in the Activity Zone which is located within the Visitor Centre at Pontefract Castle.

Tickets £2.50 per teenager, accompanying adults free. Book Paper Making

Start time: 11am
End time: 12:30pm
Age range: Teenagers, Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Paper making (Ages 12-16)
Pontefract Castle
10 Apr 2025
Details:

People have made paper for hundreds of years. Now it's your turn!  

Meet like-minded young people in this hands-on workshop. 

Discover our incredible paper collections from the past. 

Learn how to recycle old paper into new paper for your own journals or cards.
  
Accompanying adults are welcome but not essential.

The workshop will take place in the Activity Zone which is located within the Visitor Centre at Pontefract Castle.

Tickets £2.50 per teenager, accompanying adults free. Book Paper Making

Start time: 1:30pm
End time: 3pm
Age range: Teenagers, Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
10 Apr 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon - with bonus tours for the Easter holidays!  

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle

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